Travel advice & practical information for travelogue:

'Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route'

Useful addresses

Washington DC, USA

Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
2139 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: +1 (202) 939 6125/7
+1 (202) 884 1080
Fax: +1 (202) 797 7408
Email: Ubalozi@tanzaniaembassy-us.org

Paris

Ambassade de la République Unie de Tanzanie
13 avenue Raymond Poincaré
75116 Paris
Tel: 01 53 70 63 66
Fax: 01 47 55 05 46

London

Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
3 Stratford Place,London W1C 1AS
Tel.: +44 020 7569 1470
Fax: +44 020 7491 3710
tanzarep@tanzania-online.gov.uk
Balozi@tanzania-online.gov.uk

Required documents

1. A valid passport (at least 6 months after departure date).
2. One (1) ID photograph.
3. A photocopy of return ticket to Tanzania or an attestation from a travel agent.
4. If you are applying through mail: please send a stamped self addressed registered envelop for return.

Climate and best time to travel

Throughout the year there is only a 5 degree Centigrade difference between the highest and the lowest temperature. The temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade. From October to November is the short period of rain. The driest part is the Central Plains where there is some rain between Decmber and May.

In the mountains the mornings often are clear and sunny. Early in the afternoon clouds move in and there can be fog or rain. Evenings are clear again. At the summit of Kilimanjaro the temperature is minus 15 degrees Centigrade. Every 300 meters the temperature drops a degree Centigrade.

Clothes

Be prepared for extreme cold. Minus 15 Centigrade with a strong wind feels like minus 30. Bring gloves, a scarf, a warm hat and wind-tight clothes. Gore Tex is perfect. Also dressing in layers is a good idea. In four days you experience a difference in temperature from 25 degrees Centigrade to minus 15.

Condition

You don't need to be super fit for the Marangu route. Normal fitness and health should be sufficient. The altitude can cause problems with AMS (altitude sickness). If you want to minimalize that risk, it is possible to book a day extra. This so-called acclimatising day is after the second day: one stays at the Horombo cabin for a day and take an acclimatising walk. Ask your doctor about AMS.

Money

If you know which places you are going to visit, you can find out online if and where there are ATM's that you can use with MasterCard and Cirrus or Visa

Health

Vaccinations are required for yellow fever only for visitors transiting through South America, West Africa, & Central Africa). Malaria treatment is advised. It is also a good idea to bring medication for stomach and intestinal problems, anti-biotics, paracetamol, anti-dehydration medication, throat tablets, something for insect bites, muscle ache, sunblocker and good quality protective lip balm. It is a good idea to bring sport drinks that have salt in them, because during the trekking you will loose a lot of salt by sweating.

For extensive health information, please check the CIA Factbook

Kilimanjaro trekkings

Mt. Kilimanjaro is at 5895 meter the highest mountain of Africa and is often called "the roof of Africa." Different trails lead to the top: the Marangu route, Machame route, Shira route, Umbwe route, Mweka route and the Lemosho route. The Marangu route is the most popular and is also called the "Coca Cola route." The Lemosho route is a technically more challenging and steep climbing route, but it can be done without climbing experience.

Mt. Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. The last one is the youngest and also the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. Climbing Kilimanjaro is only possible with a group and a guide. In Arusha and Moshi the climb can be booked for $500-700 per person. This includes guides and carriers.

Plan your trip to Tanzania online

Through online reservation systems like À la Carte Vacations you can book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars and holiday houses. You can build a fly-drive itinerary with maximum flexibility, book a flight plus a hotel hotel for a night or weekend. Without the limitations of package deals from travel organisations and most times for a much better price.

Hotels Tanzania | Airline tickets Tanzania | Flights from Tanzania | Budget hotels Tanzania | Tanzania airport car rent